Las Vegas Raiders secure top talent Ashton Jeanty in 2025 draft
- The Las Vegas Raiders addressed their struggling rushing offense by drafting Ashton Jeanty.
- Jeanty was a standout at Boise State, leading the nation in rushing yards and touchdowns last season.
- His selection by the Raiders aims to rejuvenate their offensive capabilities.
In Henderson, Nevada, the Las Vegas Raiders made a significant move in the NFL Draft by selecting Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty with the sixth overall pick on April 24, 2025. This decision comes after the Raiders struggled last season with the worst rushing offense in the league, averaging just 79.8 yards per game. Jeanty, who led the nation with 2,601 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns last season, was a Heisman Trophy finalist and drew comparisons to NFL legend Marshawn Lynch due to his powerful running style. Jeanty's ability to break tackles and explode for long runs, demonstrated during his collegiate career, makes him a promising addition to the Raiders' offense. Known for his versatility, Jeanty not only excelled in rushing but also led the NCAA in all-purpose yards with 2,750. His top-tier performance included a notable average of 7.0 yards per carry, underscoring his effectiveness on the field. Coaches see his potential as a transformative player for the Raiders as they aim to improve their overall offensive productivity. With the addition of Jeanty, along with young talents like quarterback Geno Smith and tight end Brock Bowers, there’s optimism surrounding the Raiders' offensive strategies moving forward. The selection of Jeanty also signifies a shift in the Raiders' drafting philosophy, as running backs have typically been undervalued on the first day of the NFL Draft. However, Jeanty’s standout performance at Boise State captured enough attention to place him firmly in the top 10 selections. Notably, Jeanty’s achievements at Boise State not only made him the highest-drafted player from his school but demonstrated his readiness to compete against larger and more skilled players at the professional level. The Raiders' decision to draft Jeanty reflects their intention to build a more formidable offense in response to their past challenges. Fans and analysts are eager to see how blending Jeanty’s dynamic capabilities with the existing roster could potentially revamp the team's approach in the upcoming season. Expectations are high for Jeanty, with many predicting he could become an elite player in the NFL, and the Raiders are banking on his continued success translating from college to the professional stage.